Lama Rinpochea

Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche (1931–2011) was an influential modern Buddhist teacher in the lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and a great patron of the Vajrayana Foundation. He was the eldest son of Dudjom Rinpoche, the former head of the Nyingma lineages, and also the father of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche and Garab Rinpoche (known for his Terma Tshogpa). He wrote many books on Buddhism, including White Sail: Crossing the Waves of Ocean Mind to the Serene Continent of the Triple Gems.

Dungse Rinpoche passed away in America, and his kudung (sacred body) was brought to Bhutan, where it was kept for the wellbeing of the Bhutanese people for one month.

I was present in Paro (Lango) when his kudung was cremated. Thousands of devotees gathered—it was said that more than 20,000 to 30,000 people attended. Some arrived as early as 2 AM to secure a spot as close as possible. Those who came late had to perch on caves and rugged terrain. Buddhists believe that Rinpoche was an incarnation of Guru Rinpoche himself.

Below are the photos taken on Mechay day.



In the darkness, shines through Rinpoche's Kudung



Sanctuary in the sanctum







Have a close look, who is he? Politics in religion

Ah…oh wondering minstrel

Taking kudung in a Bhutanese procession

Swapping body into smoke, an evanescent of life. Many people cried at this time. It was an emotionally poignant moment.

People rising up to inhale the smoke and to show veneration

This is how rich people misuse the space-the good space while people have to parch on the rocks and in the trees.

Smoky to be on fire

Many Neljorpas tents camped around the place

On the way back home the famous Paro Dzong stands rain or shines for hundreds of years. My son’s son would be fortunate enough to see the same Dzong. I said this to my son and he unhappily said to me that I will turn into smoke and disappear. My heart broke apart for sometimes to tear away especially from my beloved people and the earth. But who am I? The great Rinpoche has the same fate.

Forget the dying for now. Live now or never, I told my family. So, we mingle in the tingling town in Paro town for some time. It really is a tingling town, the prices of the things made our head tingle. Those non-eating chilies Chilips tourists have inflated by buying of no use things.

The next day, we went to Phuntsholing to have gracing and blessing from Lam Chime. Lam Chime resides in Sikkim and is the main leader of Theorma Tshogpa in Bhutan. Lam is living for his devotees at this die-able age with his wife. Not all photos were clear and I think it was the cognizant nature of Lama to blur his image for an errant person like me!

And the wheel of the life rolls on and on...and kick the bucket unknown known, unlike Lama rinpoche.